The Visionary Chronicles

Product Ideation | 5 Steps to Creating a Product Ideation Process

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: June 28th, 2023
 
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." – Steve Jobs
 
Podcast: Product Ideation | 5 Steps to Creating a Product Ideation Process
The cornerstone of all generational, Visionary brands is the foundation of a Product Ideation and Commercialization process. Creating a product ideation process involves systematic steps to generate and evaluate innovative ideas for new products or product improvements.
Here are five steps to help you establish an effective product ideation process:
Define Objectives and Target Audience: Clearly define the objectives and goals for the product ideation process. Identify the problem you want to solve or the need you aim to fulfill. Additionally, specify the target audience or customer segment you are targeting. Understanding your objectives and target audience will help focus your ideation efforts.
Create a Cross-Functional Team: Led by Product and Marketing, and supported by Sales. Form a diverse team consisting of individuals from various functional groups and disciplines. Include people from product management, engineering, design, marketing, and customer support. Cross-functional teams bring different perspectives and expertise, fostering creative thinking and comprehensive evaluations.
Do your Research: Before generating ideas, conduct thorough research to gain insights into adaptable technologies, the addressable market, industry trends, competitors, and customer desires. Explore feedback, conduct surveys, analyze market data, and gather information on emerging technologies. This research will inform your ideation process, helping you identify gaps, opportunities, and potential areas for innovation or disruption.
Idea Generation: In this step, encourage your team to brainstorm and generate various ideas. Create a supportive and open environment that rewards creativity and collaboration. Utilize brainstorming techniques like mind mapping, SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse), to stimulate idea generation. Capture all ideas, regardless of their feasibility or practicality, as they can later be refined and developed.
Idea Evaluation and Selection: After generating a pool of ideas, evaluate and select the most promising ones. Establish evaluation criteria based on your objectives, target audience, market viability, technical feasibility, and alignment with your organization's strategy. You can use methods like scoring systems, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis, or cost-benefit analysis to assess and rank the ideas. Prioritize the ideas with the highest potential for success and align with your overall business goals.
Remember, the product ideation process is iterative and should be flexible. It's essential to continuously refine and iterate on ideas based on feedback, market research, and evolving customer needs.
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
LiquidMind Inc.
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men's apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
He also hosts a podcast called The Visionary Chronicles. The Visionary Chronicles podcast is the #1 Global Visionary podcast and Top 50 Marketing podcast for 2022 & 2023, ranked by Feedspot.
In addition, he recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands. He received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
He is a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI's BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI's Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA's Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and the UCLA Media, Entertainment and Sports programs, and the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
 
e-mail | bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
Facebook | @bryansmeltzer33
Instagram | @bryan_smeltzer
Twitter | @bryansmeltzer
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
 
 

Team Leadership | 5 Things High Performing Teams do Consistently

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: June 22nd, 2023
 
"Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people.”
                                                                                                     Steve Jobs
 
PODCAST: Team Leadership | 5 Things High-Performing Teams Do Consistently
 Hiring, building, and nurturing high-performance teams has long been a holy grail for brands. Each team has unique needs, personalities, and individual triggers that drive a passion in each team member. So how does a brand build a competent team and one who gets along with one another and consistently produces superior results…consistently, not just one-hit wonders?
First, when looking at building a high-performance team, understand there are primary needs of each team and individuals;
Autonomy; the ability to perform without hindrance.
Competence; having the skill set to perform.
Relatedness; being able to interact with other team members.
Then there are the three levels of support and building effectiveness in the team;
Dependance; INDIVIDUAL, the baby, the newbie, is learning from others. Crucial to have a process for onboarding.
Interdependence; TEAM, working with a group and being part of a team, finding a solution together.
Independence; LEADER, Leadership level, finding ways to make others successful. Be humble and grateful, and do not take credit for others' successes.
 
So what are the 5 Things that High Performing Teams do Consistently?
They are Real with each other; they express personal and professional emotions and share with the team, building a more intimate bond.
They Share Praise; they are more likely to share praise with others vs. trying to take credit for themselves. Again, it's all about the team and no friction.
They Bond; they spend more time together on non-work-related items and discussions. So it's not all about work!
They are Strategic, not only with their work but, more importantly, with their time. They are finding ways to get more done in a shorter period of time. They are working together through Interdependence and Independence.
They Communicate Directly; they are more likely to communicate through Voice vs. Text or e-mails. Be honest, be Live.
Building, managing, and growing successful teams for your brand takes a commitment to process and action. The approach to getting team members up to speed and the effort to assure they are satisfied with what it takes to be a part of a successful team and brand!
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
LiquidMind Inc.
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men's apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
 
He also hosts a podcast called The Visionary Chronicles. The Visionary Chronicles podcast is the #1 Global Visionary podcast and Top 50 Marketing podcast for 2022 & 2023, ranked by Feedspot.
In addition, he recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands. He received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
 
He is a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI's BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI's Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA's Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and the UCLA Media, Entertainment and Sports programs, and the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
 
 bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
FB | @bryansmeltzer33
IG |  @bryan_smeltzer
T | @bryansmeltzer
LI | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

The Visionary Brand | The Power Triad | Product, Marketing & Sales

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: June 16th, 2023
Content from Bryan’s new Award Winning, Bestselling Book
The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands
Readers Favorite Award Winner: Best, Non-fiction, Marketing book
Amazon Bestseller.
 
THE VISIONARY BRAND | The Power Triad | Product, Marketing & Sales
"Marketing is about values. It's a complicated and noisy world, and we won't get a chance to get people to remember much about us. So, we have to be really clear about what we want them to know about us." – Steve Jobs
 
This quote from Steve rings even more true today. In our world today, we must provide value-anchored brand principles that trickle down to all team members and our community. These voices communicate our brand and what we stand for in a world where few exist, and even fewer thrive!
In my new book, I discuss The Power Triad, the three engines that keep a brand alive and thriving; Product, Marketing & Sales. When working in unison with one another, these three engines create a beautiful concerto and realize ongoing success as they continue to grow the brand.
The Power Triad Formula;
ELEMENT 1; Product as the Idea Generator, Concept Creator, Disruption Machine, and Vision Realizer.
ELEMENT 2; Marketing as the Vision Translator, Bloodline Connector, and Bridge Builder between Product, Sales & your Community.
ELEMENT 3; Sales as the Executor of the Vision to the World.
The Power Triad is led by Product, supported by Marketing, and executed through Sales. They are independent and interdependent on one another, only able to achieve success through continued collaboration and respect for each other’s specific skill sets. If they remain independent, refusing to follow The Power Triad formula, they fail; if they achieve interdependence, relying on each other and following the proven formula, success follows. The Product team is traditionally the visionaries, the crazy ones, who provide the ideas and realize the vision. The Marketing team brings this reality to life, giving it room to breathe and bloodline to match the brand Vision to the reality of a new idea, concept, disruption, or innovation. Without this breath of life, the understanding of the brand bloodline, the idea will never have life, and the concept will never see the light of day. Each piece is integral and crucial to the Product's success and the brand's longevity. From Product to Marketing, then Sales, this stepped formula and interdependence with one another is a formula for building a generational brand.
Finally, once the idea and vision have been realized, given life, and been aligned with the brand bloodline, from idea to reality, the Sales team executes the Vision in the marketplace.
The Sales team has been along for the ride during the evolution of the idea through concept and commercialization. However, the eventual breathing of life into the idea, understanding the “why,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “how,” now has the weapons to achieve success in the marketplace.
Brands who do not follow a formula for the evolution of their brand do not have a passion for success. The passion for success is what Visionaries build into the brands and WHY they are a brand. As I always discuss, just because you SAY you are a brand DOES NOT mean you are a brand. A brand is an earned right with as much culture as Product. The culture is built through consistently excellent products, communicated through bloodline marketing, and sold to your select community, providing value beyond the Product. 
Follow The Power Triad formula, building interdependence between each team, following a consistent path to success, respecting the flow of innovation, translating the brand bloodline, and achieving revenue through selected brand channels.
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
 
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, Product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men’s apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
 
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles, ranked as the #1 Visionary and Top 50 Marketing Podcasts by Feedspot, and recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, and recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
 
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI’s BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI’s Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA’s Price Center Venture Accelerator Program, and a Mentor/Advisor at the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
 Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33
 Instagram | @bryan_smeltzer
 Twitter | @bryansmeltzer
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
 
 

Barriers to Success | 5 Priorities on How to Adapt & Overcome

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: June 7th, 2023
 
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela
 
Podcast: Barriers to Success | 5 Priorities on How to Adapt and Overcome
Leadership is about overcoming when the challenge is the hardest. It is not when there is clear sailing without barriers to landing at your destination. Becoming a Leader is about adapting, finding ways to achieve success, and providing ongoing, consistent Leadership with a passionate Vision to ensure you stay on course.
Becoming a Leader is about failing. Having failed, you are better equipped to understand what it is like to take risks and understand what it takes to succeed. Failing is a prerequisite; if you have succeeded without failing, this was pure luck, or you set the bar too low. Taking risks, failing, and maybe failing again builds resilience in a Leader and the ability to see into the future, a Vision for what can be for a brand.
As a business leader, overcoming barriers to success is crucial for achieving your goals and driving your brand forward. Here are five ways you can tackle these barriers and significantly increase your chances of success:
Clear Communication: Effective communication is essential in overcoming barriers. Clearly convey your vision, goals, and expectations to your team. Build open lines of communication and encourage feedback, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. When challenges come, encourage teamwork to address issues promptly.
Adaptability and Agility: Business environments are constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt quickly is vital. Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and market shifts. Embrace change and encourage your team to be flexible. Create a culture that values innovation and is open to new ideas.
Continuous Learning: Invest in your personal and professional growth and your team. Encourage a learning mindset and provide training, development, and upskilling opportunities. Stay updated on industry developments, attend conferences, and encourage knowledge sharing within your organization. Being well-informed and adaptable will help you overcome barriers.
Build a Strong Team: Business success relies on a solid team that can overcome challenges. Hire individuals with diverse skills and perspectives, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Foster a culture that promotes teamwork, trust, and mutual support. Provide regular feedback and recognize and reward exceptional performance.
Resilience and Problem-Solving: Inevitably, obstacles will arise on the path to success. Cultivate strength by maintaining a positive attitude and learning from failures. Encourage your team to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. Break down complex problems into manageable steps and involve your team in finding creative solutions. Celebrate successes along the way to maintain motivation and momentum.
Remember, overcoming barriers to success requires patience, perseverance, and a proactive approach. These strategies can enhance your leadership capabilities and guide your organization toward achieving its goals.
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
LiquidMind Inc.
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men's apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
 
He also hosts a podcast called The Visionary Chronicles. The Visionary Chronicles podcast is the #1 Global Visionary podcast and Top 50 Marketing podcast for 2022 & 2023, ranked by Feedspot.
In addition, he recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands. He received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
 
He is a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI's BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI's Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA's Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and the UCLA Media, Entertainment and Sports programs, and the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
 bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
  @bryansmeltzer33
 @bryan_smeltzer
 @bryansmeltzer
 linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
 

Principles of Leadership | The New Leadership Formula

 
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: MAY 25TH, 2023
 
"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality."
                                                            Life from Warren Bennis
 
Podcast: Principles of Leadership | The New Leadership Formula
The new Leadership Formula is driven by the ability of a leader to motivate their teams to passionately embrace a Vision for the long-term benefit of the brand.
The formula is not about being the nicest leader or someone with a singular compassion for all. It is finding the one who can skillfully understand the needs and motivations of others and turn this into an engine of progress and eventual pride for all. Being a respected leader is the goal, but few achieve this status. Most are either unwilling to be humble enough to share credit, smart enough to know what they don't know, or compassionate enough to understand what drives others vs. themselves.
Knowledge is not what makes great leaders who understand how to empower people and give all the gratitude and praise to others—a leader who embraces others, not themselves. A truly great leader understands that for a Vision to be realized, it must be adopted by all and shared by all until its completion. The Vision is to know that by empowering others, you are empowering yourself to accomplish greater things than you would realize. So take off the cape, understand your limitations and embrace the power of empowering others to succeed!
Understanding everyone has different motivations, and usually low on the list is monetary compensation vs. personal acknowledgment of a job well done. Finding the balance is critical for great leaders, and a mix that maximizes everyone's potential and builds passion across your entire team, everyone working together accomplishing a singular goal.
The new Leadership Formula is comprised of many elements; following are a few;
The Perception vs. Reality; be real, ALL the time. Inevitably you will stop pretending, and trust will be broken.
The Ladder; they help team members climb the Ladder to success, vs. pulling it out from underneath them.
The Development; provide the tools required for others to succeed.
The Social Side; be human. Your team is human; treat them like one. Great leaders are great communicators.
The Orchestra; you are the leader of many, each with a distinct skillset. Help them make beautiful music.
The Pressure; great leaders absorb and distribute Pressure. Ensure you are not unloading on others. Distribute carefully and with purpose.
I am often asked if great leaders are born. This may be both true and false, but I feel that great leaders are born with the ability to lead, be compassionate, and absorb Pressure, and the other traits are learned. So the balance is they are born with the required leadership skills.
However, you can understand what is needed to be a great leader, be committed to these traits, be authentic, and be real, and your team will reward you with their loyalty!
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
LiquidMind Inc.
#TheVisionaryPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a successful consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men's apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles. In addition, he recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands. He recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
 
He is a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI's BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI's Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA's Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and the UCLA Media, Entertainment and Sports programs, and the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan currently oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
 
 bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
  @bryansmeltzer33
 @bryan_smeltzer
 @bryansmeltzer
 linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
 
 

The Visionary Brand | The Omni Channel Strategy | How to Disrupt Industry Norms

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: May 18th, 2023
 
Content from Bryan’s new Award Winning, Bestselling Book
 
The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands.
Readers Favorite Award Winner: Best, Non-fiction, Marketing book
Amazon Bestseller.
THE VISIONARY BRAND | The Omni Channel Strategy | How to Disrupt Industry Norms
 
"Disrupt or be disrupted." - Eric Shinseki
 
This quote from Eric Shinseki, a retired US Army General, emphasizes the importance of brand disruption.
In today's fast-paced and constantly evolving business landscape, brands that fail to disrupt themselves and their industries risk being left behind. Disruptive brands challenge the status quo, shake up traditional models, and offer innovative solutions to customer problems.
By doing so, they can create a new market or take market share away from established players. This quote is a call to action for brands to disrupt themselves before others disrupt them proactively.
Visionary brands are constantly asking the question, “WHY?”. Why do things work the way they do? Why hasn’t anyone updated this process, or why can’t we change an industry?
All of these lead to breakthroughs at some point. You are not challenging the status quo unless you ask these questions!
While asking these questions, you must ensure the answers fit; who you are, what you do, how you work, and where you engage with your Community. These fit with the brand product, culture, community, and lifestyle. Authenticity is key to success and often takes a back seat to a product the brand feels is the next revolution, but it is an evolution, not a revolution, and you can risk lower adoption rates if it does not fulfill the brand promise.
So disrupting is an earned right, earned through trust and authentication. A product is only a product until users say it is awesome. So, trust, consistency, and greatness are earned through loyalty and anticipation. Many brands have built this user experience into their creative process, the ideation of their next great product, which somehow enhances their communities' life—easily explained, extremely difficult to execute, that is the creator's mindset. So what does Omni Channel Strategy for Disrupting Industry Norms look like?
Understand your Brand and your Community; building a great product internally does not mean it translates externally.
Always be Creating (ABC); ensure you build an innovator pipeline of products that continues to satisfy a community need.
Awesome User Experience (AUX); create a seamless UX that your Community will proactively discuss with others. There is no better authentication than a community with a positive voice. Bad news spreads 250X faster than good news. You will not have to work very hard to degrade your brand equity if you screw this up!
You must have an authentic culture of risk-takers, idea generators, and brand missionaries to disrupt the norm. All importantly, all are required to build authentic products your Community adopts. Lifetime customer value!
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men’s apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
 
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles, ranked as the #1 Visionary and Top 50 Marketing Podcasts by Feedspot, and recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, and recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
 
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI’s BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI’s Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA’s Price Center Venture Accelerator Program, and a Mentor/Advisor at the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 
 bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
  @bryansmeltzer33
 @bryan_smeltzer
 @bryansmeltzer
 linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

Courageous Leadership | 5 Principles of Courage in Leadership

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: May 10th, 2023
 
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast was ranked the #1 Global Visionary Podcast & Top 50 Marketing podcast by Feedspot in 2022 & 2023
 
PODCAST: Courageous Leadership | 5 Principles of Courage in Leadership
 
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King Jr.
 
This quote from Martin Luther King Jr. speaks to the importance of courage and faith in leadership. You may not always have a clear vision of the path ahead as a leader, but you must have faith in yourself and your team's abilities to take that first step forward.
Doing this creates momentum and builds confidence, which can help you navigate the challenges. This quote encourages leaders to have courage in their hearts and faith in themselves and their team, even when the path forward is uncertain.
 
Courage is a word not often used when describing Leaders, those who are Visionary. Instead, you will use; risk-taker, innovator, or disruptor, but all of these descriptors are built off a foundation of being courageous first. Courage is a trait that dates back centuries and is common in all Visionary leaders today.
 
For a Visionary leader to be considered generational, one who changes our daily lives for the better or disrupts an industry, you must take risks, but the pillar of risk is having a heart full of Courage. Unfortunately, not all leaders have this quality, and those who do are relentless in their pursuit of success, and achieving what others say is impossible.
 
Courage is a vital quality for effective brand leadership. Here are five principles for how to use courage in brand leadership:
 
Take calculated Risks: To make bold moves that differentiate your brand from competitors, you must be willing to take calculated risks. This requires courage, as there is always the possibility of failure. However, you can take risks more likely to pay off through strategic planning and a solid understanding of your brand's strengths and weaknesses.
Be willing to challenge the Status Quo: To truly stand out in a crowded marketplace, you must be willing to challenge the status quo. This means taking a fresh approach to product development, marketing, and customer experience. It takes courage to break away from conventional thinking but creates a more compelling brand that resonates with customers.
Stand up for your beliefs: A strong brand stands for something. To communicate your brand's values and beliefs effectively, you need to be willing to stand up for what you believe in. This means taking a stance on controversial issues and communicating your brand's position clearly and confidently.
Embrace change: Change is inevitable, and it takes courage to embrace it. As a brand leader, you need to be willing to adapt to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and technological advancements. This means being open to new ideas and approaches, even if they challenge the way things have always been done.
Lead by example: Finally, to be an effective brand leader, you must lead by example. This means demonstrating courage in your actions and decisions and inspiring your team to do the same. When your team sees that you are willing to take risks, challenge the status quo, and stand up for your beliefs, they will be likelier to do the same.
 
Each of these is a foundational pillar of those who have the courage to risk being different, successful, and relentless in pursuing their Vision. They inspire others through their faith, make others better through creating a culture of success, always stand by their decisions, and are models for others to learn from as they progress in life.
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men's apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
 
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles. In addition, he recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands, and received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
 
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI's BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI's Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA's Price Center Venture Accelerator Program, and a Mentor/Advisor at the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
 
Bryan currently oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with both start-ups and established id to large-cap consumer brands to empower their businesses to think different, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 
 bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
  @bryansmeltzer33
 @bryan_smeltzer
 @bryansmeltzer
 linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

Artificial Intelligence in Brand Marketing | 5 Steps to Applying AI in Brand Marketing

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: April 25th, 2023
 
PODCAST: Artificial Intelligence in Brand Marketing | 5 Steps to Applying AI in Brand Marketing
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker
 
The latest buzz in all aspects of business is how to apply Artificial Intelligence to my business model. However, having worked with many brands recently through our  © LiquidMind MasterMind development, most are not adequately prepared to implement what they do not clearly understand.
We have found Artificial Intelligence to be an extremely useful resource when creating our content platforms across social, podcasts, and BLOGs, each unique and required in building your AI platform. We have used Open AI’s Chat GPT for quite some time and have integrated it into our daily routine. 
Often, we need to take a step back and understand the intent, purpose, and goal of integrating an Artificial Intelligence initiative into their brands. Doing this lets us understand and determine where AI can best utilize, maximizing investment and time.
 
Here are five steps to applying artificial intelligence in brand marketing:
 
Define your goals: The first step is to define your brand marketing goals and identify the areas where Artificial Intelligence can add value. This could include improving customer engagement, optimizing advertising spend, or enhancing personalization.
Collect data: Artificial Intelligence relies on data for accurate predictions and recommendations. So collect as much data as possible about your customers, including their behaviors, preferences, and demographics. You can gather this data from various sources such as social media, website analytics, CRM systems, and third-party data providers.
Choose an Artificial Intelligence solution: There are several AI solutions available for brand marketing, including machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics. Choose a solution that aligns with your marketing goals and the data you have collected.
Implement the solution: Implementing an Artificial Intelligence solution requires technical expertise. If you don't have an in-house team, consider partnering with a technology provider or a marketing agency specializing in Artificial Intelligence. Once the solution is implemented, monitor the performance and adjust as needed.
Measure the results: Artificial Intelligence can help you achieve your marketing goals, but you must measure the results to see the impact. Use metrics such as customer engagement, conversion rates, and return on ad spend (ROAS) to evaluate the effectiveness of your AI-powered marketing campaigns.
Artificial Intelligence is a strategic weapon that can provide a significant first-mover value if implemented correctly and appropriately. However, if it is to implement for the sake of implementing, you will fail and set your brand further behind rather than leading your peers.
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
#TheVisionaryPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men's apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles. In addition, he recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands, and received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
 
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI's BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI's Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA's Price Center Venture Accelerator Program, and a Mentor/Advisor at the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan currently oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with both start-ups and established id to large-cap consumer brands to empower their businesses to think different, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
  @bryansmeltzer33
 @bryan_smeltzer
 @bryansmeltzer
 linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/